Green tree pythons (Python molurus) are some of the largest snakes in the world. They live in tropical regions across Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America.
The green tree python has been known to reach lengths of over 20 feet (6 m). It is also one of the most venomous snakes on earth.
There are several different species of green tree pythons, but they all share similar characteristics.
These include a long body, a large head, and a triangular-shaped tail. Their coloration varies from light brown to dark green or black.
Many people don’t realize that these reptiles are capable of changing their appearance. They can change their skin color, shape, size, and even gender.
This article will discuss 13 incredible green tree python morphs and their localities.
What Are Green Tree Pythons?
Green tree pythons are one of the most common types of snakes found throughout parts of Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America.
They have a unique ability to alter their physical attributes by shedding their skin. When this happens, it is called metamorphosis.
Metamorphosis occurs when an animal sheds its old skin for a new one. It usually takes place at night so as not to be seen. However, if there is danger involved, then the snake may shed its skin during the day.
These reptiles are known as “tree pythons” because they spend much of their time on trees. Many of them prefer to climb up into the branches of tall trees.
The term “green tree python” refers to the color of the snake’s skin. Most of the time, this color is green. However, other colors such as yellow, blue, red, and black are also possible.
The green tree python can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including rainforests, dry savannahs, woodlands, grasslands, swamps, and even deserts.
These snakes prefer to inhabit areas near water or other bodies of water. They will often bask in the sun and use their heat-retaining abilities to stay warm.
When hunting, the green tree python uses its sense of smell to locate prey. They are excellent climbers and will often hunt birds, rodents, lizards, frogs, fish, and insects.
They are also known to eat eggs, young animals, and carrion.
Most green tree pythons grow to be around 6 to 7 ft (1.8 to 2.1 m) in length. Some individuals may get as big as 15 ft (4.5 m)!
Their average lifespan is around 25 years. However, some specimens have lived longer than 50 years.
In terms of weight, adult females weigh between 4 and 10 lbs (2 to 5 kg), while males only weigh about half as much.
In addition to growing larger, green tree pythons can also become more colorful. For example, they can turn from light brown to dark gray to black.
This process is known as melanism. Melanism is when a snake changes its skin color to match its environment. This helps protect them from predators and makes them harder to spot.
As mentioned earlier, green tree pythons are among the deadliest snakes in the world. They are extremely aggressive and territorial.
If you come across one of these snakes, do your best to avoid getting bitten. If you must handle one, make sure you wear gloves and boots.
What Are Green Tree Python Morphs?
Morphology is the study of form and structure. A morph is simply a variation of a particular trait. For example, you might say that a person with curly hair is having a curly hair morph.
A morph is often used to describe changes in a reptile’s appearance. For instance, many green tree pythons can switch between male and female forms.
This means that they can become either males or females depending on what they need at any given moment.
Other morphs include:
- Darker colored morphs
- Longer tails
- Larger heads
- Shorter bodies
Let’s take a look now at the different green tree python morphs out there!
1. Neonate Green Tree Python
Neonates have only recently been discovered by scientists. The neonate green tree python is one of the most fascinating discoveries.
Scientists found that this snake was born with its eyes open. It took them months to figure out how to safely take care of the baby snake.
The neonate green tree pythons were first discovered in 2013 around the Tambopata River Basin in Peru. Since then, there have been many more documented sightings of this snake.
Scientists estimate the length of a neonate green tree python at about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). At birth, it weighs approximately 1 oz (28 g).
2. Blue Green Tree Python
Blue-green tree pythons are very rare. There are only two confirmed records of blue-green tree pythons. One was captured in India in 2004, and the other was caught in Indonesia in 2010.
These snakes are named for their unique coloring. Unlike most other green tree pythons, which are mostly green, these snakes are typically pale yellowish-green in color.
However, they can also be bright blue. The blue-green tree python’s tail looks like a normal-green tree python except for the blue coloring on the end of their tails.
These snakes grow up to 6 ft (180 cm) long and weigh between 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and 14 lbs (6.4 kg).
3. Biak Green Tree Python
Biaks are another type of green tree python. They are native to Southeast Asia. Biaks are smaller than regular green tree pythons and have an average length of 4 ft (120 cm) and a weight of 3 lb (1.4 kg).
Their coloration ranges from light green to olive green. Like other green tree pythons, biaks have triangular-shaped tails.
They are usually olive green in color with darker blotches. Some biaks may have a white stripe down the middle of their bodies.
Like other green tree pythons, they have triangular-shaped tails. Unlike other types of green tree pythons, their heads are small compared to their bodies.
4. Australian Green Tree Python
Australian green tree pythons live in Australia. They are often confused with the Burmese python because both look similar.
However, unlike the Burmese python, the Australian green tree python has no constriction rings. Additionally, the Australian green tree pythons do not have any scales on their backs.
There are three different subspecies of Australian green tree python: the western green tree python, the eastern green tree python, and the northern green tree python.
The Australian green tree python is much smaller than the Burmese python. They grow up to 5 ft (150 cm) long and weigh anywhere from 8 lbs (3.6 kg) to 12 lbs (5.4 kg).
Their coloration ranges from gray to tan or brown. Like other green tree pythons, they have a triangular tail and a large head.
5. Aru Green Tree Python
Aru green tree pythons can be found in South East Asia. They are considered one of the smallest green tree pythons in existence.
This particular species lives near rivers and streams. Unlike other green tree python species, Aru green tree pythons have a rounder body shape.
Their coloration varies from dark green to black. This snake grows up to 3 ft (90 cm) long and weighs between 1 lb (0.45 kg) and 2 lb (0.9 kg).
They are mostly dark green, but some individuals may be light green or orange. Their heads are relatively small when compared to their body sizes.
6. Manokwari Green Tree Python
Manokwari green tree pythons come from New Guinea. These snakes are not as common as other green tree python species.
They grow up to 4 ft (120 cm), but some specimens have been recorded growing up to 7 ft (210 cm).
Their skin is covered in scales which makes them appear rough and scaly. They have a triangular-shaped tail and a large head relative to their size.
These snakes are generally dark green. However, there are also reports of these snakes being yellowish-green or even red.
7. Cyclops Mountain Green Tree Python
Cyclops mountain green tree pythons originate from Madagascar. This snake has become endangered due to habitat loss.
They are known for having extremely large eyes that cover most of their face. The cyclops mountain green tree python’s eye diameter can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm).
Unlike other green tree python species, this snake does not have any constriction rings. Instead, it has a ring around its neck.
These snakes grow to a maximum length of 3 feet (90 cm) and weigh up to 11 pounds (5 kg).
They are mostly black with a lighter-colored bellies. They have a triangle-shaped tail and a large triangular head.
8. Jayapura Green Tree Python
Jayapura green tree pythons originated from Papua New Guinea. They are considered one the most dangerous green tree pythons out there.
They grow up close to 10 feet (300 cm) in length and weigh over 20 pounds (9 kg).
Like all other green tree pythons, this snake has a triangular-shaped tail and a large head. Its skin is covered in scales making it look rough and scaly.
Its coloration varies from dark olive green to deep blue. It has a pale belly and a white throat.
They grow up to 4 ft (120 cm). They are mostly black but have a few striped individuals.
The tip of their tails is usually red. They are very aggressive snakes and will bite if provoked.
9. Kofiau Green Tree Python
Kofiau green tree pythons are native to Indonesia. They are considered one of the deadliest green tree pythons on Earth.
They have a triangular-shaped tail, a large head, and a short snout. Their skin is covered in scales giving them an appearance similar to a crocodile.
This snake has no constriction rings. Instead, they have a band around their necks.
They grow up to 6 ft (180 cm) and weigh around 20 pounds (9 kg). They are mostly black with yellow stripes.
10. Batanta Green Tree Python
Batanta green tree pythons were originally discovered in Java. They are considered one of the deadliest green tree pylons on earth.
They grow up to 5 ft (150 cm). They are mostly dark green but have a few striped individuals.
11. Bali Green Tree Python
Bali green tree pythons originate from Indonesia. They are considered deadly and one of the largest green tree pythons.
They grow up to 5 ft (1.5 m) and weigh about 15 pounds (7 kg).
Their skin is covered in scales, and they have triangular-shaped bodies. They have no constriction rings. In color, they are mostly black, with a few individuals who are speckled.
12. Yapen Green Tree Python
Yapen green tree pythons live in the Philippines. They are considered one of the deadliest green tree pythons on earth.
They can grow up to 5 ft long (150 cm) and weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Their color varies from light brown to dark green.
13. Padaido Green Tree Python
Padaido green tree pythons came from Indonesia. They are known for being extremely aggressive.
They grow up to 6 ft (180 cm). They are mostly brownish-black in color and have triangular-shaped tails.
Conclusion
Green tree pythons can be dangerous animals. If you want to keep one as a pet, then getting trained first is best.
As you can see, there are various types of green tree pythons. Some of them are poisonous, while others aren’t. They also come in over 100 different morphs, some of which are listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Keep A Green Tree Python As A Pet?
Yes, you can keep a green tree python as a pet. However, before getting one, make sure that you know how to care for these reptiles properly. You should also be aware of the fact that they need a lot of space.
Also, make sure that you get a good enclosure where your reptile can hide and feel safe. You must provide your pet with food and water regularly.
How Do You Handle A Green Tree Python Properly?
Green tree pythons should be handled carefully. You need to make sure that you don’t get bitten by these snakes.
You need to grab them firmly but gently. Do not squeeze or jerk them because you might hurt them.
What Does A Green Tree Python Eat?
A green tree python eats small mammals such as rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and even some fruits.
Where Are Green Tree Pythons Found?
These snakes are found in Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, Central America, Mexico, and parts of Europe.
How Many Different Morphs Of Green Tree Pythons Are There?
There are more than 100 different kinds of green tree pythons.
